Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender children is forcing families to make difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is currently considering a legal challenge to this ban, which restricts access to various forms of medical treatment for transgender youth.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing families with transgender children to face difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban, which includes prohibiting certain forms of medical treatment for transgender youth.
The ban has had a significant impact on the lives of children and teenagers who are transgender, causing their typical experiences during adolescence to be influenced by their gender identity. Photo by Lucy Garrett for The New York Times.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Some families quickly left their homes and withdrew their children from school when Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care. Other families decided to stay, making sacrifices such as reducing vacations and holiday expenses to travel out of state for medical appointments.
Some residents who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still considering the option of relocating in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to Tennessee’s law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could put their children’s care at risk, especially with the new Trump administration planning to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who moved away from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained that living under such circumstances requires a complete shift in mindset. She described it as feeling like a sudden disaster within the family, altering one’s sense of self and comfort level.
Some parents from five different families, along with three of the children, agreed to participate in interviews on the condition of anonymity due to fears of reprisal and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, if your child tells you who they are and what they need, as a parent, it is your responsibility to offer them your support.
The name is Kristen
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